ZMachine install

[Billy boy]

Just got a set of zmachine lights. They looked awesome during night racing at the 12 hr. Anyone have any install tips for me? I’m installing in a slot.it Mercedes C9. They look fragile.

[cj74]

They really aren't as fragile as they seem. The wires are thin, but hold up very well. My approach is pretty straightforward:

- Figure out where each light will be mounted.
- Place the first light in the desired location and time the wires as you'd like them.
- Tape the wire near the light and then glue (shoe goo, E6000, or similar) the light into place.
- Repeat for each light.
- Once glue is set, remove tape
- Finalize wire routing and strategically glue (sparingly) the wires in place.
- Let sit... Done

[Billy boy]

That sounds too easy but excellent. Thanks.

[nhdungeonracer]

Having just done a couple, I will say installing the Z Machine kit is a bit of a tedious job.
But then again, any of the readily available light kits are.

The best thing about the Z Machine kit is, it does not require any soldering like most kits. But because all the lights are attached to the board, installing the 1st light can be a bit of a pain cuz the other 3 lights are flopping around and getting in your way. Tip-figure out which light you're doing 1st, and tie off the other 3 until you've got the 1st one mounted.

Some cars are easy, some not so easy. For instance, on my Racer Porsche, I had to remove the headlight buckets, cut an opening in thru the side of them so the light would be inside. But on my BMW, I simply drilled a hole where the head light is, and glue the light to the back side.

As I said, it's a bit of a tedious project, but when it's done, it's simply just plain cool and well worth the effort.

Oh, and be somewhat gentle with the lights. I've heard the little boards the lights are mounted on are a bit fragile. But if I can do it, you can... :D

[Billy boy]

I’m really happy with the way it’s going. Taking my time is paying off. My family calls me gorilla hands. One more exhaust light to go.

[nhdungeonracer]

U gotta show us pics of the car, or it'll be assumed you didn't get the lights in...lol

[PetesLightKits]

Another tip, although I know you have already begun the install, use black hot melt glue for the install. It does double duty as it works well to hold lights in place but also blocks stray light from shining through the body. Also, it cools quickly, so no waiting for shoe-goo to set before moving on to the next light. It does create those lovely little stringy bits but the pros far outweigh the cons IMO.

Peter

[RichD]

Using hot glue will speed up the installation of the lights. If you are going to actually race in the dark a little light bleed may be a good thing. If you are going to take pictures of a car with lights you might want minimize the light bleed. Slot Car Corner also sells these light kits.

[Giddyup]

I recently bought a set of thes lights too as they look simpler from what I’ve seen in the past.

I’ve never installed lights, so I’d be keen to see the a “how to” or see some pictures of how people have installed & dealt with the “light bleed” issue too.

:text-thankyouyellow:

[RichD]

Here is a Scalextric Ferrari P4 that has lights. In night shots the light bleed is more obvious, although you might not notice it so much with the car running on the track.



A coat of black paint on the inside of the body should reduce the light bleed.

[Billy boy]

Kind of a spiderweb now but going well. Dr.d,i was the guy racing next to you on your left. The guy that kept nerfing you lol. Won’t the hot glue do any damage due too the heat? The goo gives me a little time to position stuff.

[RichD]

A little nerfing is bound to happen, no hard feelings. The hot glue will not damage anything, you do have to be careful with the tip of the glue gun. The glue takes a few seconds to harden up and that is usually long enough. If you need to move something you can melt the glue again with the tip of the glue gun.

[cj74]

First time I had the body off since Area 51. I would pay attention to the wires and their route/tension coming off the lights. As noted previously, I have a small amount of glue strategically located to keep the wires from rubbing on anything.

[Billy boy]

I tried to post a video but failed. My install is done and looks great. I’ll be buying more for sure. A definite take your time project but so worth it.